Football is offered to both female and male students as a winter sport at St Paul’s Collegiate School. Training takes place twice a week, after school on St Paul’s main playing fields.
The football programme is based on Brazilian futebol principles and philosophies with the ultimate aim of playing 'Futebol Alegria.' Students learn both football and futsal, a five-a-side indoor game with a smaller and heavier ball. By learning futsal, students build technical skills and the ability to play a skilful and fast-passed game that is transferred to the football field.
St Paul’s eight football teams compete in various competitions in Term 2 and 3, including:
- Waikato secondary schools championships
- North Island secondary schools championships
- New Zealand secondary schools national premier tournament
A sports levy applies to this sport. Transport, accommodation and costs association with tournaments are disbursed to students' accounts accordingly.
Highlights
- 1st XI finished equal second in the Waikato secondary schools competition and 20th in the New Zealand Secondary Schools National Premier Tournament (2015)
- Luke Goodwin, Tom Goodwin and Harry Porritt were all selected for the Waikato Bay of Plenty men’s futsal team (2015)
- New Zealand secondary schools under-19 (trial) – Harry Porritt, Zachary Newdick, Owen Comber and George Ott (to tour the UK in 2016)
- Waikato Bay of Plenty under-16 football team – Harry Porritt (2015)
- National Federation Talent Centre (NTC) – Owen Comber and George Ott (2015)
- WaiBOP United Youth – Jacob Robb and Michael Built (coach) (2015)
- WaiBOP United 1st team – Scott Hilliar (2015)
- ASB Premiership – Jacob Robb, Michael Built (coach) and Scott Hilliar (2015/16)
Coaches
Michael Built – 1st XI Boys Coach
One of St Paul’s successful professional football exports, Michael returned to his schoolboy roots as Head Coach of St Paul’s 1st XI football squad. Since leaving St Paul’s in 2009 on a professional contract with English club, Northhampton Town, the midfielder enjoyed stints with Bedford, Histon and Brackley Town Football Clubs. Michael knows what it takes for young players to reach their full potential, having played in the New Zealand under-20 and under-23 sides and the Junior All Whites team at the 2009 U17 World Cup in Nigeria. His new position is particularly special as he has stepped into the boots of his mentor and former coach, Mike Groom. “Mike helped create many successful players. I hope to continue his work and hopefully make just as much of an impact.”
- Head of Football – Mike Simmonds
- 1st XI Boys – Michael Built and Ainsley Robson (manager)
- Development XI – Keegan Stewart and Kelvin Hogg (manager)
- Colts A – Byron de Beer and Mike Groom
- Colts B – Roger Bell
- 3rd XI/Senior Black – Michael Built and Mike Simmonds (manager)
- 1st XI Girls – Alexi Varela, Ian Boyle and Kerry Allen (manager)